U.S. Military Aircraft Soar Over Super Bowl

Air Force and Navy planes honor America's 250th birthday with flyover

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A formation of eight U.S. Air Force and Navy combat aircraft will perform a flyover during the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The flyover will feature two B-1 Lancers, two F-15C Eagles, two F/A-18E Super Hornets, and two F-35C Lightning IIs, honoring America's 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

The joint Air Force and Navy flyover is a powerful symbol of America's military might and a celebration of the nation's 250 years of independence. It showcases the coordination and teamwork of the different branches of the U.S. armed forces.

The details

The aircraft are staged at Moffett Air National Guard Base, just five minutes from the stadium, allowing for precise timing of the flyover to coincide with the final note of the national anthem. Air Force and Navy personnel have been working together to prepare the planes and coordinate the high-stakes flyover.

  • The flyover will occur just as pop singer Charlie Puth holds the final note of the national anthem.

The players

U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force is providing two B-1 Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base and two F-15C Eagles from Fresno Air National Guard Base for the flyover.

U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy is contributing two F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning IIs from Naval Air Station Lemoore for the flyover.

Moffett Air National Guard Base

Moffett ANGB, home to the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing, is serving as the hub for the joint flyover and has hosted community outreach events throughout the week.

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Keegan

The wing commander who said, "It's a privilege to be here supporting the Super Bowl and flyover. Our Airmen are thrilled to do the outreach, show people what we do and invite them onto our base."

U.S. Air Force Sports Outreach Program Manager Katie Spencer

She has overseen planning for six Super Bowl flyovers and said, "When you think of combat operations, where you have to be over a certain point of time and things have to go just right, that's exactly how it is at an event like the Super Bowl or any sporting event."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The aircrews and maintainers staged at Moffett ANGB will be recognized on the field during the second half of the Super Bowl game.

The takeaway

The joint Air Force and Navy flyover showcases the coordination and teamwork of the U.S. military branches, honoring America's 250 years of independence. It is a powerful display of the nation's airpower and maritime strength.